Intramedullary fibular graft for tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis.

Abstract

The intramedullary fibular graft was used in four patients for tibiotalocalcaneal fusion. There were three men and one woman. The average age was 49.7 years (range, 35-73 years). The initial injuries were three pilon fractures and one ankle fracture. Tibiotalocalneal arthrodesis was performed as a salvage procedure for patients with significant posttraumatic arthritis of the ankle, concomitant subtalar arthritis, and severe osteopenia. The average followup was 28 months (range, 24-31 months). All the patients had successful arthrodesis and were satisfied with the outcome results. The average preoperative American Orthopaedic Foot And Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score for the whole group was 49.5 (range, 44-54) and improved postoperatively to 78.5 (range, 71-81). Three patients had a good score and one patient had a fair score. There was no postoperative infection or fracture of the graft.